Archive for November, 2008

Watch President-Elect Obama’s weekly radio, get the latest transition news and learn about the Obama – Biden administration’s agenda at the official transition web site Change.gov. You can even apply for a job with the Obama administration.

Barack Obama’s television approval ratings are through the roof.

The 60 Minutestelevision broadcast featuring the president-elect and wife Michelle Obama, yielded 24.5 million viewers according to the Nielsen rating system. CBS said the audience was the newsmagazine’s biggest since January 1999. The show dominated every major demographic group, even kids 12-17. You can watch the 60 Minutes sit down interview with Barack and Michelle Obama from our video library on this blog.

Roughly around the time of my conception Reagan was sworn in as president of the United States. The great de-regulator destroyed many of the institutions that made our nation great. He was followed by Bush who continued his work. President Elect Obama represents a return to the use of government for the greater good of all people.

As an African American I am of course happy at the fact that someone of my background is finally in the most powerful position in our nation. But more importantly as an American I am proud to see my nation take a step toward becoming what it aspires to be. For the first time in my life, I feel that the word American describes me, and people like me, without qualification.

I am the grandchild of a sharecropper turned teacher, the descendant of Louisianan Creole slaves, and I am as American as anyone else. The great dream of America, that hard work can get you where you want to go, is a true one. Barack Obama will be a great president with sound and intelligent policies, and this is the most important thing of all. But more than that, Obama is a great symbolic victory for all Americans. Overcoming the racism of the past is not just an African American victory, it’s an American victory.

Brandon Whitney is the creator of Homelandcolors.blogspot.com a blog that focuses on issues that affect the African American community. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. Brandon has political experience as an Outreach Director for the Democratic party and is passionate about being a positive force in his community regarding African American issues. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. You can read more of Brandon’s work at Homeland Colors.

I have never witnessed anything like this in my lifetime. Talk about you magic moments. I just watched President-Elect Barack Obama give his victory speech to a crowd of approximately 100,000 people in Grant Park in Chicago, IL. Change has come to America!

It is extremely difficult to put this night into perspective. Barack Obama is the president-elect of the United States of America. He will be the 44th president of this country. There are a lot of factors that one can identify as the reasons for this historic accomplishment. Looking back, I think Barack Obama’s judgment, political skills, his ability to raise money and his campaign infrastructure made the difference in winning this presidential race. Perhaps Barack Obama’s skills as a “community organizer” was the “difference maker” in this election.

History is likely to reflect that Barack Obama put together the most effective campaign in all of politics. His use of the digital technology (the Internet, cellular phones, e-mail) and the campaign’s ability to raise money via the Internet where the average contribution was $15.00 was brilliant. The Obama campaign shattered all fund raising records. In the end, America made a very clear choice and the chose the candidate of “inclusion.” People from all walks of life want to be included in the political process–and their vote for Barack Obama is a signal that they believe he is the best person to heal this country and bring people together.

I stood in line for almost 3 hours in the rain to cast my vote. I was prepared to stand in line for 8 hours to vote. This election is that important. While standing in line I felt a sense of community. People were supportive and excited to be a part of history. I saw young people helping senior citizens, I saw parents with the children. I did not hear one complaint. The entire experience was heartwarming. I’ve talked to about a dozen people today about their voting experience and they all have shared similar positive experiences.

It feels different to be an American tonight! It just feels good!

Take a look at the next First Family in America. These little girls will finally get a puppy that their father promised them after the election.

How do you feel about the results of this election? What was your voting experience?

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We will either be extremely jubilant or sad tomorrow. Either way there will still be work to be done. As we go into this historic election we must continue to focus on the big picture. The question we must ask ourselves is how can we advance the Untied States and the African American people after November 4th?

1. Invest in African American businesses.
Times are hard for all small businesses. This is especially true for small minority businesses that usually have a hard time getting access to credit. If there is an African American insurer, bank, or any other kind of business near you then frequent them. It doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, but your purchase can be a lifeline to an African American firm.

2. Give to African American supporting causes.
The NAACP under Ben Jealous may be a worthy investment, as might the Urban League. HBCU’s can always use more income and support from alumni and others who believe in the cause of education for minority people.

3. Vote!
It goes without saying the voting is important, especially in this extremely important year. Next year there will be local elections. Give money to a candidate that you believe in and make sure that you, and your friends and relatives, get a chance to vote. A friend of mine just got his voting rights back and is extremely excited about participating in this election, we should all be just as excited.

4. Get your money right
When I about money, I speak to myself also. I have been working on strengthening my financial situation and have spoken to this cause often in my blog. My brothers and I have pledged ourselves to becoming a much stronger financial unit as a family. I encourage you to do the same. We live in a capitalist nation and need money to become powerful. I encourage you to do this because without money, it is difficult to do good in the world.

We stand on the cusp of a great event similar to our ancestor’s emancipation from slavery, our grandparent’s emancipation from Jim Crow, and our parent’s ability to partake in mainstream society. Tomorrow will be an occasion of celebration and I am as excited as you are about what is going to take place.

Brandon Whitney is the creator of Homelandcolors.blogspot.com a blog that focuses on issues that affect the African American community. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. Brandon has political experience as an Outreach Director for the Democratic party and is passionate about being a positive force in his community regarding African American issues. He is also a frequent guest on News and Notes’ Blogger Roundtable. You can read more of Brandon’s work at Homeland Colors.

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On September 30, Black Men In America.com TV’sMoses T. Alexander Greene joined the Hip Hop Caucus and Praise 104.1 for a historic voter registration drive. Greene interviewed public figures who came out to urge residents to register to vote.